Resources

Sexual Assault

Under Minnesota law, sexual assault is referred to as “criminal sexual conduct (CSC).” This includes conduct that ranges from unwanted sexual contact such as touching clothing that covers an intimate part of the body to rape with a dangerous weapon. Criminal sexual conduct under Minnesota law also covers activities such as sex with a minor and incest.

If you are a victim of sexual assault, we encourage you to call 9-1-1 to report what happened. You also can come to the UMPD and a uniformed officer will meet with you. The officer will inform you about what your next steps could be. If you choose to report the incident to us, the officer will ask you about what happened in order to make a report. Don’t worry, the officer will be sensitive to your situation.

If you would like assistance in notifying the proper law enforcement and/or campus authorities to report, call The Aurora Center at (612) 626-2929 or their 24 hour Helpline at (612) 626-9111 for free and confidential services.

UMPD Investigative Process

When a victim of sexual assault contacts 9-1-1 (law enforcement), a uniformed officer will respond to complete a preliminary sexual assault report. The report will be titled “Criminal Sexual Conduct.” By state law, the victim’s identity cannot be released to the public.

The victim will receive information about the Aurora Center . The Aurora Center serves as an advocate and support system for the victim.

If evidence needs to be collected, such as bedding or clothing, the officer may make arrangements for that to occur. In addition, the officer will help evaluate whether the victim needs to go to a hospital to meet with a specially trained Sexual Assault Resources Service nurse. This will assist us in obtaining forensic evidence as well as assure that the victim is provided with proper care and treatment. Officers will not be present during the exam, but the victim is welcome to bring someone of your choosing.

Once the preliminary report is completed, a lead investigator is assigned the case and will coordinate and complete all aspects of the criminal investigation.

The completed Criminal Sexual Conduct case is then submitted to the Hennepin or Ramsey County Attorney’s Office for review and consideration of criminal charges.

Criminal Sexual Assault investigations cease if the victim decides they no longer want to pursue criminal charges. The case remains open during the statute of limitations time period as a Criminal Sexual Assault report. If the victim returns and requests to continue the investigation, the investigation will proceed.

Why did you refer me to another police department?

We will still help you get in touch with the appropriate law enforcement agency or university resource, but we may refer you to another police department to ensure your case is investigated by the agency having jurisdiction in the location where the crime occurred. The UMPD primarily only investigates crimes which occur on property owned by the University.

Other Reporting Options

Third-Party Reporter

When a person other than the victim (third-party) contacts law enforcement, a uniformed officer will respond to complete a preliminary sexual assault report. The report will be titled “Criminal Sexual Conduct.”

Once the preliminary report is completed, a lead investigator is assigned the case and will coordinate and complete all aspects of the criminal investigation. UMPD will attempt to contact the victim. If contact is made with the victim, and they request to pursue criminal charges, a full police investigation will follow.

The reporting person and the victim will be listed as such in the report; the suspect(s) information will only be listed in supplemental narratives until the victim is properly identified and verifies the details of the report. By law, the victim’s information cannot be released to the public.

University Process

If what happened is against the student code of conduct or University Policy, there are additional reporting options. We will refer you to the University of Minnesota's Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA) as they are responsible for investigating alleged policy violations involving sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, and relationship violence if students, staff and faculty are involved.

University of Minnesota Victim's Rights

To learn more about victim/survivor rights at the University of Minnesota, contact EOAA or Aurora.

Affirmative consent

The University of Minnesota has recently revised the Administrative Policy on Sexual Assault, Stalking and Relationship Violence by adopting language regarding the need to have “affirmative consent” prior to engaging in sexual activity. However, the policy is different from Minnesota state laws pertaining to criminal sexual conduct and the UMPD is responsible for investigating any law violations and is not the department responsible for investigating any policy violations by students, staff or faculty.